COMING THIS SUMMER TO A STADIUM NEAR YOU!Special Sneak ("Spring") Preview May 12, 2007

The defending DCA world champion Reading Buccaneers celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. To commemorate this auspicious milestone, the Buccaneers are proud to present their 2007 production, Blue Era. The Bucs pay tribute to five decades of tradition with a program showcasing what we do best – entertainment, innovation, emotion and excellence across all captions – but kicked up a few notches! Years ago, the Buccaneers were dubbed “The Balance in Blue” because of the corps’ versatility in handling varying musical styles. This year is no exception, as the Buccaneers explore four distinct styles, moods and textures, yet within the classical and symphonic idiom that has become the corps’ signature.

The Blue Era journey begins, in unique style, with contemporary American composer Aaron Jay Kernis’ New Era Dance. There is nothing subtle about this work – it’s full of speed, volume, attitude and fun. Next, the horn line and color guard are featured in a rich, warm and moving take on Aaron Copland’s The Promise of Living, from his opera The Tender Land. The Buccaneers’ percussion ensemble then takes center stage with an international flavor in a spirited rendition of Danza Final: Malambo from the Estancia dances, by Alberto Ginastera. The Blue Era journey comes to a grand, rousing and triumphant conclusion with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Every section of the corps will have a moment to shine in this classic piece, which will leave you humming it and smiling well after the show is complete.

Field leadership is provided by head drum major Josh Decker and assistant drum majors Diane Koenig and Nigel Jeffrey.

About the artwork:

The Reading Buccaneers proudly present this special movie poster to commemorate the corps’ 50th Anniversary production. Designed by creative services manager Jeff Zehner, the poster pays tribute to 50 years of Buccaneers tradition by featuring two icons most closely associated with the corps – the ship’s wheel and the Buccaneer “B.” Yet while the corps celebrates its past, this year’s production and the activities surrounding the anniversary are about the future of the corps and our activity. The quest for excellence, the uncharted territory ahead and the ever-moving nature of drum corps are all reflected in the space motif. And under the steady and watchful leadership of DCA Director of the Year James C. Gruber, who shares a 50th birthday year with his beloved corps, the Buccaneers have bridged the past to the present and now face the future with excitement and confidence.

Stop by the Buccaneers’ souvenir stand this summer and own this historic piece of memorabilia!